Improving the Odds of a Job Search

Let’s face it; a job search is not for the faint of heart. With the submission of each resume or application an individual is looking to demonstrate supreme self-confidence in their work history and skills while openly trusting that an individual they’ve never met will have the ability to infer their personality and interpersonal skills. Combined with the myriad of resumes and applications a recruiter or HR representative is sifting through, it can be a daunting task to stand out from the crowd.

In a best-case scenario, each job seeker would have the chance to get face-to-face with the person who received their resume or application, allowing both parties to put a name with a face. Unfortunately, there will never be enough hours in the day to allow this to happen.

Boosting the Odds of the Job Search

During the job search process, it’s easy to wonder if your application or resume were seen or not. Not hearing back has the potential to leave a job seeker creating any number of excuses why they didn’t hear back such as the email got “lost” or the company’s server potentially crashed. Often it’s more likely the email with an application or resume did get read, but the recruiter decided not to move a job seeker’s information to the next level.

1. Create a Solid Subject Line – Recruiters receive thousands of applications so make sure you are very clear about who sent the email and the job applied for. It can be as easy as a subject line with your name and the title of the job you’re applying for. It’s simple and to the point.
2. Briefly Tell Me about You – Think of this as the written elevator pitch. This is short and to the point and tells exactly what makes you great for the job and why the work you do matters to you and why the company will benefit with you in the role.
3. Where Do I Find You – After including a well-written and proofread resume, be sure to also include links to your LinkedIn account, blog, personal website and any relevant clips, videos and reels. Having the information ready to click on is much easier and less time consuming than sifting through a Google search.
4. Kindness Counts – There’s a good chance that a recruiter wants to find the right person for a position just as much as someone wants the right job. This is a team relationship so it pays to work together. This means being considerate, punctual and kind. Everyone is much more motivated by kindness. Even if this position isn’t the right one, it’s much better to be remembered as a motivated job seeker than one who is not. Remember, the little things really do matter.

This article is brought to you by Staffing Kansas City, a full-service Kansas City employment agency that provides contract-to-hire, direct hire and temporary employment placement services.